January 4, 2026

December 31, 2025

Dear Friends,

 

We are exiting the Christmas season with the Epiphany of the Lord.  Next week we will celebrate the Baptism of our Lord, and then return to Ordinary Time.

 

Ordinary. What does that mean to you? Does it mean something that is plain and simple, something you experience every day? We are bombarded by so much, good and bad, in our fast-paced society; do we seek out what is ordinary and good in this extraordinary time we live in?  Do we see the divinity of Jesus in the people we meet in our ordinary life?

 

Wise Men and Women See God in the Simple Things

If you’re on social media, you have probably seen a meme going around that features this quote: “God has a plan for your life. The enemy has a plan for your life. Be ready for both. Just be wise enough to know which one to battle and which one to embrace.”

There were certainly two competing plans for the Magi: God’s and Herod’s. And, wise as they supposedly were, it wasn’t entirely easy for the Magi to discern which was which.

After all, Herod posed as a friend. He offered the Magi hospitality and kindness. Though the Gospel doesn’t say so, he probably flattered them and appealed to every moral weakness he could observe in them. In his palace, they must have felt great physical comfort — rest and tables of plenty on what was an otherwise long and treacherous journey.

But if the Magi were honest with themselves, I’ll bet they would have admitted that, regardless of Herod’s charm, they felt a gnawing sense of doubt while in his presence. When they looked upon the Christ Child, born in a stable without any of the comforts of the world or protections of wealth, they probably felt the opposite. They probably felt safe.

The Magi were lucky enough to have the right plan spelled out for them in a dream, but for the rest of us, it’s enough to remember this: God’s plan is often the one that leads us to places of great simplicity, great humility and great love. Let’s have the wisdom to view power with suspicion, and innocence with admiration.

Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS ©LPi

 

I hope you continue to find the love and peace of Christ in our ordinary days!

 

Blessings,

Fr. Rob

 

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Father Rob's Weekly Message

October 4 2026

September 29, 2026
Dear Friends, I was delighted that our faith communities came together last Saturday to welcome Bishop John Bonnici! It was a prayerful time to come together, meet one another and celebrate mass. The time with one another was delightful and filled with joy! I want to thank everyone who helped in preparing this special moment. First of all, thank you to Bishop Bonnici for sharing his presence with us. Thank you to Father Aaron Kelly for assisting all our liturgical ministers at mass. The music was inspirational and kudos to Pam McInerney, Sue Wallace, and all our vocalists and musicians for bringing their gifts to our liturgy. Much appreciation to our phenomenal Altar Servers, Lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who gave of themselves to make everyone comfortable and welcome at Mass. I want to express my gratitude to all who served at Mass on Saturday. To Chuck Reinke, who coordinated our ushers and greeters. To Bob Goldbach and his band of volunteers who helped with parking and assisting everyone arriving for Mass. AND, to Julie Reinke, our star photographer, for capturing these sacred moments we had with one another. AND, to Charlene Merrill, for the fabulous reception she coordinated with so many others that provided a delightful gathering after Mass. AND, one more AND, being trinitarian, I want to acknowledge our Parish Staff, who assisted me in so many ways. Bless you! Everyone, thank you for being such wonderful stewards! Our Catholic Ministries Appeal is underway! Did you receive your letter about the appeal from Bishop Bonnici and me? This year, beginning with our new bishop, the theme is “ALL THINGS NEW, Embracing Our Mission in Christ.” I pray we will be supportive and successful in stewardship towards this years appeal. We experienced full support from so many of you last year and Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration made our goals. Thank you to those made this happen. I am confident we can succeed again with our prayer and stewardship. Like every diocese who has a similar campaign, your goodness keeps our diocese and parishes vibrant through serving people in need through Catholic Charities, providing diocesan-wide services to our parishes and institutions, educating youth in Catholic faith, supporting our Seminarians, Deacons,, and Pastoral Leaders, funding the ministries of Pope Leo and Bishop Bonnici, funding our Pastoral Center Operations & Support Services, and for the CMA Campaign. All donations are used only for the programs, services, and ministries I just mentioned. I hope and pray you will make a pledge with me for this year’s appeal. If you have any questions, please ask me, anyone on Parish Staff, and the Diocese of Rochester. Blessings to all, Father Rob

September 27, 2026

September 22, 2026
Dear Friends, This past week, on September 24th, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, was beatified in Saint Louis. From December of 1966 to October of 1969, he was the Bishop of Rochester. Bishop John Bonnici will be present for the beatification. On September 29th, Bishop John Bonnici will receive a relic of the Archbishop during Mass at 7 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Bishop Louis Tylka of the Diocese of Peoria will present the relic. Everyone is invited to attend this special moment. We will be blessed between the beatification and receiving of the relic to have Bishop John Bonnici with us this very weekend. He will preside at Mass on Saturday at 5:30 PM at Saint Catherine of Siena. A light reception will follow this celebration. May we offer our new Bishop a warm welcome and join him in celebrating Mass with one another! How blessed we are to have these final days of September to celebrate our faith! I am looking forward to seeing you this Saturday. Blessings to all, Father Rob

September 20, 2026

September 15, 2026
Dear Friends, I want to thank all the generous stewards who prepared our Parish Ministry Fairs at Saint Catherine’s and Transfiguration last weekend! Those who made the time to visit all the ministry tables, thank you. AND thank you to all who expressed an interest in being part of our ministries and signed up to join or receive more information. Our two parishes are blessed by the goodness and involvement of so many making our communities vital to our professed Gospel! Next weekend, Bishop Bonnici will be with us! He asked to preside and preach at our 5:30 mass on Saturday evening at Saint Catherine’s. We hope you will come and worship with him and our brothers and sisters. There will be no 4 PM mass this day. A light reception will follow mass, perhaps outside, weather permitting. Otherwise, we will come together in Legacy Hall. I do hope you will welcome our Bishop and his secretary, Father Aaron Kelly! Bishop Bonnici has asked that our parishes do something very special to recognize the beginning of October. For our Universal Church this is Respect Life Month. Bishop Bonnici will preside at a Diocesan Holy Hour and Rosary for Life at Sacred Heart Cathedral, October 3 , from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Everyone is invited to join him at Sacred Heart. He also asked if our diocesan parishes might offer the same Holy Hour and Rosary for Life in our parishes at the same time. We invite our parishioners and others, who may wish to join us, for this opportunity at Saint Catherine of Siena’s Chapel. It will be October 3rd from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. As of this writing, Ben Cutter and I will lead this special time of prayer. Please join Ben and me in this moment. Hope everyone is doing well and know you are always in my prayers and thoughts! Blessings, Rob